The Commission is issuing this Final Rule to make minor changes to its regulations. This Final Rule amends requirements pertaining to the format and dimensions of maps and drawings submitted to the Commission by applicants and licensees in the Commission's hydropower program. Specifically, the amendments: remove the requirement that applicants and licensees submit copies of certain project maps and drawings in microfilm format on aperture cards; and change the minimum and maximum dimensions applicable to submitted maps and drawings. These amendments modernize the regulations to reflect technological advances and relieve burdens placed on applicants and licensees.

2014-07-23; vol. 79 # 141 - Wednesday, July 23, 2014

79 FR 42665 - Payment of Dividends From Funds Included in Capital Account

The Commission issues this policy statement to provide guidance that the Federal Power Act (FPA) should be interpreted as not prohibiting the payment of dividends from funds included in capital account by any public utility that has a market-based rate tariff on file with the Commission, does not have captive customers, and does not provide transmission or local distribution services. The Commission has concluded that the payment of dividends from funds included in capital account by such public utilities does not implicate the concerns underlying the enactment of the provision of the FPA that prohibits the payment of dividends from funds included in capital account. Thus, it is unnecessary for any public utility that meets the criteria identified in this policy statement to file a petition for declaratory order in order to seek assurances that dividends paid from capital account are not unlawful under this provision of the FPA.

79 FR 42665 - Payment of Dividends From Funds Included in Capital Account

The Commission issues this policy statement to provide guidance that the Federal Power Act (FPA) should be interpreted as not prohibiting the payment of dividends from funds included in capital account by any public utility that has a market-based rate tariff on file with the Commission, does not have captive customers, and does not provide transmission or local distribution services. The Commission has concluded that the payment of dividends from funds included in capital account by such public utilities does not implicate the concerns underlying the enactment of the provision of the FPA that prohibits the payment of dividends from funds included in capital account. Thus, it is unnecessary for any public utility that meets the criteria identified in this policy statement to file a petition for declaratory order in order to seek assurances that dividends paid from capital account are not unlawful under this provision of the FPA.

Pursuant to the section regarding Electric Reliability of the Federal Power Act, the Commission approves a new Reliability Standard, PRC-025-1 (Generator Relay Loadability), submitted by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), the Commission-approved Electric Reliability Organization. In addition, the Commission approves Reliability Standard PRC-023-3 (Transmission Relay Loadability), also submitted by NERC, which revises a currently-effective standard pertaining to transmission relay loadability.

Pursuant to section 215 of the Federal Power Act, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) approves Reliability Standard EOP-010-1 (Geomagnetic Disturbance Operations). The North American Electric Reliability Corporation, the Commission-certified Electric Reliability Organization, submitted the Reliability Standard for Commission approval in response to a Commission directive in Order No. 779. Reliability Standard EOP-010-1 is designed to mitigate the effects of geomagnetic disturbances on the Bulk-Power System by requiring responsible entities to implement Operating Plans and Operating Procedures or Processes.

The Commission is clarifying its regulations to make explicit that, consistent with Order No. 714 and its subsequent orders, statutory tariff and rate filings must be made electronically, according to the Commission's posted requirements for eTariff filings. Filings not made in proper electronic format will not become effective under the applicable statutes if the Commission fails to act by the proposed effective dates in the applicants' pleadings.

The Commission is clarifying its regulations to make explicit that, consistent with Order No. 714 and its subsequent orders, statutory tariff and rate filings must be made electronically, according to the Commission's posted requirements for eTariff filings. Filings not made in proper electronic format will not become effective under the applicable statutes if the Commission fails to act by the proposed effective dates in the applicants' pleadings.

The Commission is clarifying its regulations to make explicit that, consistent with Order No. 714 and its subsequent orders, statutory tariff and rate filings must be made electronically, according to the Commission's posted requirements for eTariff filings. Filings not made in proper electronic format will not become effective under the applicable statutes if the Commission fails to act by the proposed effective dates in the applicants' pleadings.

The Commission is clarifying its regulations to make explicit that, consistent with Order No. 714 and its subsequent orders, statutory tariff and rate filings must be made electronically, according to the Commission's posted requirements for eTariff filings. Filings not made in proper electronic format will not become effective under the applicable statutes if the Commission fails to act by the proposed effective dates in the applicants' pleadings.

2014-05-09; vol. 79 # 90 - Friday, May 9, 2014

79 FR 26613 - Notice of Final Rulemaking; Amendments to the Water Quality Regulations, Water Code and Comprehensive Plan To Revise the Human Health Water Quality Criteria for PCBs in Zones 2 Through 6 of the Delaware Estuary and Bay

This regulation is effective June 9, 2014. The incorporation by reference of the publications listed in this rule is approved by the Director of the Federal Register of Regulations as of June 9, 2014.

18 CFR Part 410

Summary

By Resolution No. 2013-8 on December 4, 2013, the Delaware River Basin Commission (“DRBC” or “Commission”) approved amendments to the Commission's Water Quality Regulations, Water Code and Comprehensive Plan to establish a uniform water quality criterion of 16 picograms per liter for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the Delaware Estuary and Bay, DRBC Water Quality Management Zones 2 through 6, for the protection of human health from carcinogenic effects.

79 FR 26615 - Notice of Final Rulemaking; Amendments to the Water Quality Regulations, Water Code and Comprehensive Plan To Update Water Quality Criteria for pH

This regulation is effective June 9, 2014. The incorporation by reference of the publications listed in this rule is approved by the Director of the Federal Register of Regulations as of June 9, 2014.

18 CFR Part 410

Summary

By Resolution No. 2013-9 on December 4, 2013, the Delaware River Basin Commission (“DRBC” or “Commission”) approved amendments to the Commission's Water Quality Regulations, Water Code and Comprehensive Plan to update the Commission's stream quality objectives for pH in interstate tidal and non-tidal reaches of the main stem Delaware River.

This document revises the date to comply with the terms of the Final Rule (RM12-15-000) which was published in the Federal Register of Wednesday, May 29, 2013. The rule amended regulations under the Interstate Commerce Act to update requirements governing the form, composition and filing of rates and charges by interstate oil pipelines for transportation in interstate commerce.

This notice contains corrections to the order (RM01-8-000, et al) which was published in the Federal Register of Friday, March 14, 2014 (79 FR 14369). This order updated the EQR Data Dictionary to indicate how market participants should enter information in certain fields of the new EQR system so that the new system's validation process will more readily accept filings. These updates to the EQR Data Dictionary enable the implementation of the Commission's revised EQR filing process. This order also updated the EQR Data Dictionary's list of Balancing Authority names and abbreviations to reflect changes in the official source of such data.

Title 18 published on 2014-04-01

The following are ALL rules, proposed rules, and notices (chronologically) published in the Federal Register relating to Title 18after this date.

This document contains corrections to the proposed rule (RM14-7-000) which was published in the Federal Register of Thursday, June 26, 2014 (79 FR 36269). The regulations propose to approve Modeling, Data, and Analysis Reliability Standard MOD-001-2 developed by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation.

Pursuant to the section regarding Electric Reliability of the Federal Power Act, the Commission proposes to approve a revised Reliability Standard, PRC-005-3 (Protection System and Automatic Reclosing Maintenance). In addition, the Commission proposes to approve one new definition and six revised definitions referenced in the proposed Reliability Standard, the assigned violation risk factors and violation severity levels, and NERC's proposed implementation plan. Consistent with Order No. 758, the proposed Reliability Standard requires applicable entities to test and maintain certain autoreclosing relays as part of a protection system maintenance program. The Commission also proposes to direct NERC to submit a report based on actual performance data, and simulated system conditions from planning assessments, two years after the effective date of the proposed standard, which addresses whether the proposed Reliability Standard applies to an appropriate set of autoreclosing relays that can affect Bulk-Power System reliability. Further, the Commission proposes to direct NERC to modify the proposed Reliability Standard to include maintenance and testing of supervisory relays, as discussed below.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission or FERC) is proposing to amend the filing requirements for natural gas pipeline system maps. Under current regulations, natural gas pipelines must include a system map as part of their tariff on file with the Commission, and file an updated map by the following April for any year that there is a major change in the pipeline's system. Additionally, this map must be posted on the pipeline's own Web site. In order to reduce regulatory burden on these pipelines, the Commission proposes to eliminate the requirement to file a map as part of the tariff, leaving only the requirement to maintain a map on the pipeline's own Web site. Furthermore, in order to promote transparency, the Commission proposes to change the deadline for updating system maps. Currently, if a pipeline experiences a major change that renders its existing map obsolete, it must make a tariff filing no later than April 30 of the subsequent calendar year. The Commission proposes a quarterly deadline for updating pipeline maps.

2014-07-25; vol. 79 # 143 - Friday, July 25, 2014

79 FR 43536 - Refinements to Policies and Procedures for Market-Based Rates for Wholesale Sales of Electric Energy, Capacity and Ancillary Services by Public Utilities

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) is proposing to amend its regulations governing market-based rates for public utilities pursuant to the Federal Power Act (FPA). The Commission is proposing to revise its current standards for market-based rates for sales of electric energy, capacity, and ancillary services to streamline certain aspects of its filing requirements to reduce the administrative burden on applicants and the Commission. The Commission seeks comment on the proposed revisions. In addition, the Commission provides some clarification regarding the standards for obtaining and retaining market-based rate authority.

2014-07-24; vol. 79 # 142 - Thursday, July 24, 2014

79 FR 42973 - Format and Dimensions of Maps and Drawings Required by the Commission's Hydropower Program

The Commission is issuing this Final Rule to make minor changes to its regulations. This Final Rule amends requirements pertaining to the format and dimensions of maps and drawings submitted to the Commission by applicants and licensees in the Commission's hydropower program. Specifically, the amendments: remove the requirement that applicants and licensees submit copies of certain project maps and drawings in microfilm format on aperture cards; and change the minimum and maximum dimensions applicable to submitted maps and drawings. These amendments modernize the regulations to reflect technological advances and relieve burdens placed on applicants and licensees.

2014-07-23; vol. 79 # 141 - Wednesday, July 23, 2014

79 FR 42665 - Payment of Dividends From Funds Included in Capital Account

The Commission issues this policy statement to provide guidance that the Federal Power Act (FPA) should be interpreted as not prohibiting the payment of dividends from funds included in capital account by any public utility that has a market-based rate tariff on file with the Commission, does not have captive customers, and does not provide transmission or local distribution services. The Commission has concluded that the payment of dividends from funds included in capital account by such public utilities does not implicate the concerns underlying the enactment of the provision of the FPA that prohibits the payment of dividends from funds included in capital account. Thus, it is unnecessary for any public utility that meets the criteria identified in this policy statement to file a petition for declaratory order in order to seek assurances that dividends paid from capital account are not unlawful under this provision of the FPA.

79 FR 42665 - Payment of Dividends From Funds Included in Capital Account

The Commission issues this policy statement to provide guidance that the Federal Power Act (FPA) should be interpreted as not prohibiting the payment of dividends from funds included in capital account by any public utility that has a market-based rate tariff on file with the Commission, does not have captive customers, and does not provide transmission or local distribution services. The Commission has concluded that the payment of dividends from funds included in capital account by such public utilities does not implicate the concerns underlying the enactment of the provision of the FPA that prohibits the payment of dividends from funds included in capital account. Thus, it is unnecessary for any public utility that meets the criteria identified in this policy statement to file a petition for declaratory order in order to seek assurances that dividends paid from capital account are not unlawful under this provision of the FPA.

Pursuant to the section regarding Electric Reliability of the Federal Power Act, the Commission approves a new Reliability Standard, PRC-025-1 (Generator Relay Loadability), submitted by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), the Commission-approved Electric Reliability Organization. In addition, the Commission approves Reliability Standard PRC-023-3 (Transmission Relay Loadability), also submitted by NERC, which revises a currently-effective standard pertaining to transmission relay loadability.

Comments are due September 8, 2014. Reply comments are due September 22, 2014.

18 CFR Part 40

Summary

Pursuant to the section regarding Electric Reliability of the Federal Power Act, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) proposes to approve Reliability Standard CIP-014-1 (Physical Security). The North American Electric Reliability Corporation, the Commission-certified Electric Reliability Organization, submitted the proposed Reliability Standard for Commission approval in response to a Commission order issued on March 7, 2014. The purpose of proposed Reliability Standard CIP-014-1 is to enhance physical security measures for the most critical Bulk-Power System facilities and thereby lessen the overall vulnerability of the Bulk-Power System against physical attacks. The Commission proposes to approve Reliability Standard CIP-014-1. In addition, the Commission proposes to direct NERC to develop two modifications to the physical security Reliability Standard and seeks comment on other issues.

Pursuant to the Federal Power Act, the Commission proposes to approve Modeling, Data, and Analysis Reliability Standard MOD-001-2 developed by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, which the Commission has certified as the Electric Reliability Organization responsible for developing and enforcing mandatory Reliability Standards.

Pursuant to section 215 of the Federal Power Act, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) approves Reliability Standard EOP-010-1 (Geomagnetic Disturbance Operations). The North American Electric Reliability Corporation, the Commission-certified Electric Reliability Organization, submitted the Reliability Standard for Commission approval in response to a Commission directive in Order No. 779. Reliability Standard EOP-010-1 is designed to mitigate the effects of geomagnetic disturbances on the Bulk-Power System by requiring responsible entities to implement Operating Plans and Operating Procedures or Processes.

This document contains corrections to the proposed rule (RM14-11-000) which published in the Federal Register of Friday, May 30, 2014 (79 FR 31061). The regulation proposed to amend regulations to waive the Open Access Transmission Tariff requirements, the Open Access Same-Time Information System requirements of its regulations, and the Standards of Conduct requirements of its regulations, for any public utility that is subject to such requirements solely because it owns, controls, or operates Interconnection Customer's Interconnection Facilities, in whole or in part, and sells electric energy from its Generating Facility, as those terms are defined in the pro forma Large Generator Interconnection Procedures and the pro forma Large Generator Interconnection Agreement and adopted in Order No. 2003. The Commission proposed to find that requiring the filing of an Open Access Transmission Tariff is not necessary to prevent unjust or unreasonable rates or unduly discriminatory behavior with respect to Interconnection Customer's Interconnection Facilities over which interconnection and transmission services can be ordered pursuant to sections 210, 211, and 212 of the Federal Power Act.

In this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission proposes to amend its regulations to waive the Open Access Transmission Tariff requirements, the Open Access Same-Time Information System requirements its regulations, and the Standards of Conduct requirements its regulations for any public utility that is subject to such requirements solely because it owns, controls, or operates Interconnection Customer's Interconnection Facilities, in whole or in part, and sells electric energy from its Generating Facility, as those terms are defined in the pro forma Large Generator Interconnection Procedures and the pro forma Large Generator Interconnection Agreement and adopted in Order No. 2003. The Commission proposes to find that requiring the filing of an Open Access Transmission Tariff is not necessary to prevent unjust or unreasonable rates or unduly discriminatory behavior with respect to Interconnection Customer's Interconnection Facilities over which interconnection and transmission services can be ordered pursuant to the Federal Power Act.

The Commission is clarifying its regulations to make explicit that, consistent with Order No. 714 and its subsequent orders, statutory tariff and rate filings must be made electronically, according to the Commission's posted requirements for eTariff filings. Filings not made in proper electronic format will not become effective under the applicable statutes if the Commission fails to act by the proposed effective dates in the applicants' pleadings.

The Commission is clarifying its regulations to make explicit that, consistent with Order No. 714 and its subsequent orders, statutory tariff and rate filings must be made electronically, according to the Commission's posted requirements for eTariff filings. Filings not made in proper electronic format will not become effective under the applicable statutes if the Commission fails to act by the proposed effective dates in the applicants' pleadings.

The Commission is clarifying its regulations to make explicit that, consistent with Order No. 714 and its subsequent orders, statutory tariff and rate filings must be made electronically, according to the Commission's posted requirements for eTariff filings. Filings not made in proper electronic format will not become effective under the applicable statutes if the Commission fails to act by the proposed effective dates in the applicants' pleadings.

The Commission is clarifying its regulations to make explicit that, consistent with Order No. 714 and its subsequent orders, statutory tariff and rate filings must be made electronically, according to the Commission's posted requirements for eTariff filings. Filings not made in proper electronic format will not become effective under the applicable statutes if the Commission fails to act by the proposed effective dates in the applicants' pleadings.

2014-05-09; vol. 79 # 90 - Friday, May 9, 2014

79 FR 26613 - Notice of Final Rulemaking; Amendments to the Water Quality Regulations, Water Code and Comprehensive Plan To Revise the Human Health Water Quality Criteria for PCBs in Zones 2 Through 6 of the Delaware Estuary and Bay

This regulation is effective June 9, 2014. The incorporation by reference of the publications listed in this rule is approved by the Director of the Federal Register of Regulations as of June 9, 2014.

18 CFR Part 410

Summary

By Resolution No. 2013-8 on December 4, 2013, the Delaware River Basin Commission (“DRBC” or “Commission”) approved amendments to the Commission's Water Quality Regulations, Water Code and Comprehensive Plan to establish a uniform water quality criterion of 16 picograms per liter for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the Delaware Estuary and Bay, DRBC Water Quality Management Zones 2 through 6, for the protection of human health from carcinogenic effects.

79 FR 26615 - Notice of Final Rulemaking; Amendments to the Water Quality Regulations, Water Code and Comprehensive Plan To Update Water Quality Criteria for pH

This regulation is effective June 9, 2014. The incorporation by reference of the publications listed in this rule is approved by the Director of the Federal Register of Regulations as of June 9, 2014.

18 CFR Part 410

Summary

By Resolution No. 2013-9 on December 4, 2013, the Delaware River Basin Commission (“DRBC” or “Commission”) approved amendments to the Commission's Water Quality Regulations, Water Code and Comprehensive Plan to update the Commission's stream quality objectives for pH in interstate tidal and non-tidal reaches of the main stem Delaware River.

This document revises the date to comply with the terms of the Final Rule (RM12-15-000) which was published in the Federal Register of Wednesday, May 29, 2013. The rule amended regulations under the Interstate Commerce Act to update requirements governing the form, composition and filing of rates and charges by interstate oil pipelines for transportation in interstate commerce.

This notice contains corrections to the order (RM01-8-000, et al) which was published in the Federal Register of Friday, March 14, 2014 (79 FR 14369). This order updated the EQR Data Dictionary to indicate how market participants should enter information in certain fields of the new EQR system so that the new system's validation process will more readily accept filings. These updates to the EQR Data Dictionary enable the implementation of the Commission's revised EQR filing process. This order also updated the EQR Data Dictionary's list of Balancing Authority names and abbreviations to reflect changes in the official source of such data.